Saturday June 27, 2:30 to 4:00pm | Bluemont Piedmont Retreat by Jay Graham, FASLA of Graham Landscape Architecture, with Ralph Cunningham, FAIA Nestled at the base of the Shenandoah foothills in Virginia, this 178-acre site, once used for agriculture, has been transformed by the current owners into an attractive country retreat. The expansive landscape surrounding the residence incorporates Modernist design elements while acknowledging the site’s vibrant agricultural history. Visitors enter the property along an extended driveway, aligned to perfectly capture views of the nearby foothills before meandering through a wooded area featuring a beautiful array of stone walls and mature oak trees that terminate abruptly in a clearing, offering guests their first glimpse of the main residence. Pathways, and terraces, encircle the home where a wedge-shaped entry garden beckons, drawing visitors through the front door. Other spaces include the Tapestry and Master’s gardens, which were designed to introduce a diverse palette of plants to the property, direct views, and provide an additional splash of color and personality to the outdoor area. Adjacent to the home and bounded by natural boulders found on site, a turf platform provides flat ground for outdoor games. Beyond the lawn, a newly established meadow completes the design plan as it draws attention outward to more natural aspects of the environment, a pond, and restored woodlands. Photo copyright Maxwell Mackenzie

This open airy condo overlooking Kempenfelt Bay in Barrie, captures the essence of easy living by combining a harmonious balance of warmth & comfort in a sophisticated contemporary style. Its owners delight in calling it home. We began this renovation project with a redesign of the interior footprint to permit more efficient use of space and effortless movement throughout. From tear out to completion, the usual challenges of steel stud & concrete construction and special condo bylaw requirements were easily handled by our team of certified professionals. The creative use of millwork beams provided hidden channels to conceal electrical wiring and thus permit the addition of ceiling lighting where there had previously been none – a much needed design element for our clients who are avid readers and enjoy their art collection. All surface materials were chosen to provide high performance and low maintenance as well as delivering a WOW factor aesthetic. This includes the engineered hardwood flooring throughout; the porcelain tile flooring in the three bathrooms and two shower enclosures; granite counters in the kitchen, bathrooms and office credenza; all cabinetry materials; as well as the fabrics on upholstered furniture and area rugs. The right products in the right places for the right reasons!! Our furniture and cabinetry designs include the creative use of decorative glass; stainless steel; natural stone and custom wood and innovative laminate finishes. Soft draperies frame the large picture windows subtly drawing attention to the wonderful waterfront views in seamless fashion. Our attention to detail built on a foundation of good design and integration of quality well-chosen materials is truly a reflection of our client’s chic and balanced sense of style and commitment to live with uncluttered easy but comfortable elegance.

Elegance and sophistication describe this dining room. Dinner guests will be impressed by the attention to detail in the custom painted and furnished dining room. The crisp white trim paint draws attention to the architectural details in this classic dining room.

This open airy condo overlooking Kempenfelt Bay in Barrie, captures the essence of easy living by combining a harmonious balance of warmth & comfort in a sophisticated contemporary style. Its owners delight in calling it home. We began this renovation project with a redesign of the interior footprint to permit more efficient use of space and effortless movement throughout. From tear out to completion, the usual challenges of steel stud & concrete construction and special condo bylaw requirements were easily handled by our team of certified professionals. The creative use of millwork beams provided hidden channels to conceal electrical wiring and thus permit the addition of ceiling lighting where there had previously been none – a much needed design element for our clients who are avid readers and enjoy their art collection. All surface materials were chosen to provide high performance and low maintenance as well as delivering a WOW factor aesthetic. This includes the engineered hardwood flooring throughout; the porcelain tile flooring in the three bathrooms and two shower enclosures; granite counters in the kitchen, bathrooms and office credenza; all cabinetry materials; as well as the fabrics on upholstered furniture and area rugs. The right products in the right places for the right reasons!! Our furniture and cabinetry designs include the creative use of decorative glass; stainless steel; natural stone and custom wood and innovative laminate finishes. Soft draperies frame the large picture windows subtly drawing attention to the wonderful waterfront views in seamless fashion. Our attention to detail built on a foundation of good design and integration of quality well-chosen materials is truly a reflection of our client’s chic and balanced sense of style and commitment to live with uncluttered easy but comfortable elegance.

This open airy condo overlooking Kempenfelt Bay in Barrie, captures the essence of easy living by combining a harmonious balance of warmth & comfort in a sophisticated contemporary style. Its owners delight in calling it home. We began this renovation project with a redesign of the interior footprint to permit more efficient use of space and effortless movement throughout. From tear out to completion, the usual challenges of steel stud & concrete construction and special condo bylaw requirements were easily handled by our team of certified professionals. The creative use of millwork beams provided hidden channels to conceal electrical wiring and thus permit the addition of ceiling lighting where there had previously been none – a much needed design element for our clients who are avid readers and enjoy their art collection. All surface materials were chosen to provide high performance and low maintenance as well as delivering a WOW factor aesthetic. This includes the engineered hardwood flooring throughout; the porcelain tile flooring in the three bathrooms and two shower enclosures; granite counters in the kitchen, bathrooms and office credenza; all cabinetry materials; as well as the fabrics on upholstered furniture and area rugs. The right products in the right places for the right reasons!! Our furniture and cabinetry designs include the creative use of decorative glass; stainless steel; natural stone and custom wood and innovative laminate finishes. Soft draperies frame the large picture windows subtly drawing attention to the wonderful waterfront views in seamless fashion. Our attention to detail built on a foundation of good design and integration of quality well-chosen materials is truly a reflection of our client’s chic and balanced sense of style and commitment to live with uncluttered easy but comfortable elegance.

To create a warm, comforting room ideal entertaining and watching television, we paid special attention to the furnishings and textures used through this living room. The custom Flexform sectional sofa features movable pieces that allow for guests to reposition themselves for better conversation or watching television. An intricate fireplace backsplash mimics desert dunes and provides visual interest in the space. Contemporary hexagonal artwork adds a pop of color to the earthy palette and draws attention to the geometric motif present throughout the home.

This open airy condo overlooking Kempenfelt Bay in Barrie, captures the essence of easy living by combining a harmonious balance of warmth & comfort in a sophisticated contemporary style. Its owners delight in calling it home. We began this renovation project with a redesign of the interior footprint to permit more efficient use of space and effortless movement throughout. From tear out to completion, the usual challenges of steel stud & concrete construction and special condo bylaw requirements were easily handled by our team of certified professionals. The creative use of millwork beams provided hidden channels to conceal electrical wiring and thus permit the addition of ceiling lighting where there had previously been none – a much needed design element for our clients who are avid readers and enjoy their art collection. All surface materials were chosen to provide high performance and low maintenance as well as delivering a WOW factor aesthetic. This includes the engineered hardwood flooring throughout; the porcelain tile flooring in the three bathrooms and two shower enclosures; granite counters in the kitchen, bathrooms and office credenza; all cabinetry materials; as well as the fabrics on upholstered furniture and area rugs. The right products in the right places for the right reasons!! Our furniture and cabinetry designs include the creative use of decorative glass; stainless steel; natural stone and custom wood and innovative laminate finishes. Soft draperies frame the large picture windows subtly drawing attention to the wonderful waterfront views in seamless fashion. Our attention to detail built on a foundation of good design and integration of quality well-chosen materials is truly a reflection of our client’s chic and balanced sense of style and commitment to live with uncluttered easy but comfortable elegance.

This Orland Park, IL client wanted a fresh, light look, with a bit of drama. Kemper “Echo” cabinetry was chosen, in a warm Sandstone finish. Depth and richness was added with Brown Sugar glaze, which draws attention to this richly detailed door style. The drama comes in with the color palette: the pairing of the lighter cabinetry and flooring with darker tones. Tan Brown granite gives us a deep brown, as well as the use of dark bronze metals. A tall traditional crown molding adds interest at the top, and Chandler handles and knobs add the perfect touch. Visual interest is added with the wrap-around peninsula. This creates a lovely shape for the countertop, as well as generous seating for 5 adults and awesome storage. A small display area next to the refrigerator draws the eye, with wine storage and fun open cubbies. This area was also castled, for a more open feeling. The use of dark metal in the hardware, lighting, and stools is the perfect finishing touch for this timeless and cohesive transformation.

ELIMINATING ECHOS IN A LUXURY POOL HOUSE Innovative & Unobtrusive Acoustic Treatments Engaged By WSDG-Brasil BELO HORIZONTE, BRASIL: How do you keep your pool house from reverberating like a gymnasium? For the owners of a luxurious villa set amidst of one of Brasil’s most breathtaking landscapes, the views and the pastoral silence were priceless. A wide expanse of windows surrounding the infinite lap pool draw attention to the spectacular mountains and gardens framing this opulent weekend residence. Intrusive echoes of laughter and music were unacceptable. The critical acoustical designs devised by WSDG Brasil for the villa’s home theater and other living spaces were inspired by the firms’ professional recording studio expertise. Inhibiting sound from invading or escaping sensitive listening areas is a WSDG specialty. The enclosed pool and spa area, however presented uniquely troubling waters. Especially challenging was the requirement that the acoustical treatments unobtrusively compliment the sumptuous custom finishes. In addition to the 46’ long, 10’ wide lap pool, the 2100 sq. ft structure includes a gym, Jacuzzi and wet bar, bounded by three walls of double height windows. A movable glass sealing system was installed to maintain interior warmth during the cool, mountain region evenings. Prognosis? Warm, but noisy. Here, professional recording studio design techniques provided solutions. Each window, including an expansive skylight grid comprised of 24 individual 7’x5’motorized Italian glass panels, was fitted with two layers of Clearsorber™ Foil special micro-perforated transparent foil with 1” of air space separating the layers. Mounting the foil layers 2” below the glass skylight insured optimal sound absorption. Developed in Germany, these innovative translucent plastic sheets absorb medium and high frequency reverberation to resolve sonic reflection issues. “We have hung panels of this material in front of glass windows in recording studios,” explains WSDG Brasil, GM Renato Cipriano. “They have proved very effective in helping us ‘tune’ rooms without obstructing views. Now they are proving equally helpful in this residential application.” The foil’s full transparency insures unimpeded views and eliminates traditional pool house reverberation. Happily, the product also serves as a UV ray filtering system. Cipriano reports that special attention was also devoted to the pool house floor which is situated over a large machine room. “A number of generators, pumps and air conditioning units live beneath the pool,” he says. “Thanks to our acoustic treatments, they hum away doing their jobs without making their presence known to the guests.” Morro do Chapeau was designed by celebrated Brasilian architect Eduarda Correa. The extensive A/V installation was designed and installed by Versao Brasileira, a leading Belo Horizonte-based high-end home theater specialist. “We have participated on a number of challenging projects with Versao Brasileira,” Cipriano concludes. “They are extremely knowledgeable and we welcome the opportunity to collaborated with them.” ### Photos: Five views of the Morro do Chapeau pool house in Belo Horizonte, Brasil. All glass windows including the expansive skylight are insulated by a special micro perforated transparent foil to eliminate audio reverberation and also serve as a UV ray filtering system. Please credit photos by Jomar Braganca

For the 20 years the clients had lived there, this long, narrow awkward bathroom was a storage room. For the new guest bathroom, shower and vanity were configured around the sloping eaves. The fresh style is grounded in the home’s classic architectural details. The penny round tile draws the eye to the floor, helping to draw attention from the awkward angles. Clean white elements play a supporting role and bold black elements add modern energy.

This open airy condo overlooking Kempenfelt Bay in Barrie, captures the essence of easy living by combining a harmonious balance of warmth & comfort in a sophisticated contemporary style. Its owners delight in calling it home. We began this renovation project with a redesign of the interior footprint to permit more efficient use of space and effortless movement throughout. From tear out to completion, the usual challenges of steel stud & concrete construction and special condo bylaw requirements were easily handled by our team of certified professionals. The creative use of millwork beams provided hidden channels to conceal electrical wiring and thus permit the addition of ceiling lighting where there had previously been none – a much needed design element for our clients who are avid readers and enjoy their art collection. All surface materials were chosen to provide high performance and low maintenance as well as delivering a WOW factor aesthetic. This includes the engineered hardwood flooring throughout; the porcelain tile flooring in the three bathrooms and two shower enclosures; granite counters in the kitchen, bathrooms and office credenza; all cabinetry materials; as well as the fabrics on upholstered furniture and area rugs. The right products in the right places for the right reasons!! Our furniture and cabinetry designs include the creative use of decorative glass; stainless steel; natural stone and custom wood and innovative laminate finishes. Soft draperies frame the large picture windows subtly drawing attention to the wonderful waterfront views in seamless fashion. Our attention to detail built on a foundation of good design and integration of quality well-chosen materials is truly a reflection of our client’s chic and balanced sense of style and commitment to live with uncluttered easy but comfortable elegance.

This open airy condo overlooking Kempenfelt Bay in Barrie, captures the essence of easy living by combining a harmonious balance of warmth & comfort in a sophisticated contemporary style. Its owners delight in calling it home. We began this renovation project with a redesign of the interior footprint to permit more efficient use of space and effortless movement throughout. From tear out to completion, the usual challenges of steel stud & concrete construction and special condo bylaw requirements were easily handled by our team of certified professionals. The creative use of millwork beams provided hidden channels to conceal electrical wiring and thus permit the addition of ceiling lighting where there had previously been none – a much needed design element for our clients who are avid readers and enjoy their art collection. All surface materials were chosen to provide high performance and low maintenance as well as delivering a WOW factor aesthetic. This includes the engineered hardwood flooring throughout; the porcelain tile flooring in the three bathrooms and two shower enclosures; granite counters in the kitchen, bathrooms and office credenza; all cabinetry materials; as well as the fabrics on upholstered furniture and area rugs. The right products in the right places for the right reasons!! Our furniture and cabinetry designs include the creative use of decorative glass; stainless steel; natural stone and custom wood and innovative laminate finishes. Soft draperies frame the large picture windows subtly drawing attention to the wonderful waterfront views in seamless fashion. Our attention to detail built on a foundation of good design and integration of quality well-chosen materials is truly a reflection of our client’s chic and balanced sense of style and commitment to live with uncluttered easy but comfortable elegance.

This open airy condo overlooking Kempenfelt Bay in Barrie, captures the essence of easy living by combining a harmonious balance of warmth & comfort in a sophisticated contemporary style. Its owners delight in calling it home. We began this renovation project with a redesign of the interior footprint to permit more efficient use of space and effortless movement throughout. From tear out to completion, the usual challenges of steel stud & concrete construction and special condo bylaw requirements were easily handled by our team of certified professionals. The creative use of millwork beams provided hidden channels to conceal electrical wiring and thus permit the addition of ceiling lighting where there had previously been none – a much needed design element for our clients who are avid readers and enjoy their art collection. All surface materials were chosen to provide high performance and low maintenance as well as delivering a WOW factor aesthetic. This includes the engineered hardwood flooring throughout; the porcelain tile flooring in the three bathrooms and two shower enclosures; granite counters in the kitchen, bathrooms and office credenza; all cabinetry materials; as well as the fabrics on upholstered furniture and area rugs. The right products in the right places for the right reasons!! Our furniture and cabinetry designs include the creative use of decorative glass; stainless steel; natural stone and custom wood and innovative laminate finishes. Soft draperies frame the large picture windows subtly drawing attention to the wonderful waterfront views in seamless fashion. Our attention to detail built on a foundation of good design and integration of quality well-chosen materials is truly a reflection of our client’s chic and balanced sense of style and commitment to live with uncluttered easy but comfortable elegance.

Saturday June 27, 2:30 to 4:00pm | Bluemont Piedmont Retreat by Jay Graham, FASLA of Graham Landscape Architecture, with Ralph Cunningham, FAIA Nestled at the base of the Shenandoah foothills in Virginia, this 178-acre site, once used for agriculture, has been transformed by the current owners into an attractive country retreat. The expansive landscape surrounding the residence incorporates Modernist design elements while acknowledging the site’s vibrant agricultural history. Visitors enter the property along an extended driveway, aligned to perfectly capture views of the nearby foothills before meandering through a wooded area featuring a beautiful array of stone walls and mature oak trees that terminate abruptly in a clearing, offering guests their first glimpse of the main residence. Pathways, and terraces, encircle the home where a wedge-shaped entry garden beckons, drawing visitors through the front door. Other spaces include the Tapestry and Master’s gardens, which were designed to introduce a diverse palette of plants to the property, direct views, and provide an additional splash of color and personality to the outdoor area. Adjacent to the home and bounded by natural boulders found on site, a turf platform provides flat ground for outdoor games. Beyond the lawn, a newly established meadow completes the design plan as it draws attention outward to more natural aspects of the environment, a pond, and restored woodlands. Photo copyright Allen Russ

This open airy condo overlooking Kempenfelt Bay in Barrie, captures the essence of easy living by combining a harmonious balance of warmth & comfort in a sophisticated contemporary style. Its owners delight in calling it home. We began this renovation project with a redesign of the interior footprint to permit more efficient use of space and effortless movement throughout. From tear out to completion, the usual challenges of steel stud & concrete construction and special condo bylaw requirements were easily handled by our team of certified professionals. The creative use of millwork beams provided hidden channels to conceal electrical wiring and thus permit the addition of ceiling lighting where there had previously been none – a much needed design element for our clients who are avid readers and enjoy their art collection. All surface materials were chosen to provide high performance and low maintenance as well as delivering a WOW factor aesthetic. This includes the engineered hardwood flooring throughout; the porcelain tile flooring in the three bathrooms and two shower enclosures; granite counters in the kitchen, bathrooms and office credenza; all cabinetry materials; as well as the fabrics on upholstered furniture and area rugs. The right products in the right places for the right reasons!! Our furniture and cabinetry designs include the creative use of decorative glass; stainless steel; natural stone and custom wood and innovative laminate finishes. Soft draperies frame the large picture windows subtly drawing attention to the wonderful waterfront views in seamless fashion. Our attention to detail built on a foundation of good design and integration of quality well-chosen materials is truly a reflection of our client’s chic and balanced sense of style and commitment to live with uncluttered easy but comfortable elegance.

This open airy condo overlooking Kempenfelt Bay in Barrie, captures the essence of easy living by combining a harmonious balance of warmth & comfort in a sophisticated contemporary style. Its owners delight in calling it home. We began this renovation project with a redesign of the interior footprint to permit more efficient use of space and effortless movement throughout. From tear out to completion, the usual challenges of steel stud & concrete construction and special condo bylaw requirements were easily handled by our team of certified professionals. The creative use of millwork beams provided hidden channels to conceal electrical wiring and thus permit the addition of ceiling lighting where there had previously been none – a much needed design element for our clients who are avid readers and enjoy their art collection. All surface materials were chosen to provide high performance and low maintenance as well as delivering a WOW factor aesthetic. This includes the engineered hardwood flooring throughout; the porcelain tile flooring in the three bathrooms and two shower enclosures; granite counters in the kitchen, bathrooms and office credenza; all cabinetry materials; as well as the fabrics on upholstered furniture and area rugs. The right products in the right places for the right reasons!! Our furniture and cabinetry designs include the creative use of decorative glass; stainless steel; natural stone and custom wood and innovative laminate finishes. Soft draperies frame the large picture windows subtly drawing attention to the wonderful waterfront views in seamless fashion. Our attention to detail built on a foundation of good design and integration of quality well-chosen materials is truly a reflection of our client’s chic and balanced sense of style and commitment to live with uncluttered easy but comfortable elegance.

This open airy condo overlooking Kempenfelt Bay in Barrie, captures the essence of easy living by combining a harmonious balance of warmth & comfort in a sophisticated contemporary style. Its owners delight in calling it home. We began this renovation project with a redesign of the interior footprint to permit more efficient use of space and effortless movement throughout. From tear out to completion, the usual challenges of steel stud & concrete construction and special condo bylaw requirements were easily handled by our team of certified professionals. The creative use of millwork beams provided hidden channels to conceal electrical wiring and thus permit the addition of ceiling lighting where there had previously been none – a much needed design element for our clients who are avid readers and enjoy their art collection. All surface materials were chosen to provide high performance and low maintenance as well as delivering a WOW factor aesthetic. This includes the engineered hardwood flooring throughout; the porcelain tile flooring in the three bathrooms and two shower enclosures; granite counters in the kitchen, bathrooms and office credenza; all cabinetry materials; as well as the fabrics on upholstered furniture and area rugs. The right products in the right places for the right reasons!! Our furniture and cabinetry designs include the creative use of decorative glass; stainless steel; natural stone and custom wood and innovative laminate finishes. Soft draperies frame the large picture windows subtly drawing attention to the wonderful waterfront views in seamless fashion. Our attention to detail built on a foundation of good design and integration of quality well-chosen materials is truly a reflection of our client’s chic and balanced sense of style and commitment to live with uncluttered easy but comfortable elegance.

For the 20 years the clients had lived there, this long, narrow awkward bathroom was a storage room. For the new guest bathroom, shower and vanity were configured around the sloping eaves. The fresh style is grounded in the home’s classic architectural details. The penny round tile draws the eye to the floor, helping to draw attention from the awkward angles. Clean white elements play a supporting role and bold black elements add modern energy.

This open airy condo overlooking Kempenfelt Bay in Barrie, captures the essence of easy living by combining a harmonious balance of warmth & comfort in a sophisticated contemporary style. Its owners delight in calling it home. We began this renovation project with a redesign of the interior footprint to permit more efficient use of space and effortless movement throughout. From tear out to completion, the usual challenges of steel stud & concrete construction and special condo bylaw requirements were easily handled by our team of certified professionals. The creative use of millwork beams provided hidden channels to conceal electrical wiring and thus permit the addition of ceiling lighting where there had previously been none – a much needed design element for our clients who are avid readers and enjoy their art collection. All surface materials were chosen to provide high performance and low maintenance as well as delivering a WOW factor aesthetic. This includes the engineered hardwood flooring throughout; the porcelain tile flooring in the three bathrooms and two shower enclosures; granite counters in the kitchen, bathrooms and office credenza; all cabinetry materials; as well as the fabrics on upholstered furniture and area rugs. The right products in the right places for the right reasons!! Our furniture and cabinetry designs include the creative use of decorative glass; stainless steel; natural stone and custom wood and innovative laminate finishes. Soft draperies frame the large picture windows subtly drawing attention to the wonderful waterfront views in seamless fashion. Our attention to detail built on a foundation of good design and integration of quality well-chosen materials is truly a reflection of our client’s chic and balanced sense of style and commitment to live with uncluttered easy but comfortable elegance.